Former Minister for Fisheries and Forests Kalaveti Ravu has been authorized to travel abroad later this month. However, the Magistrates Court has mandated that he submit his travel itinerary to the Court Registry prior to the release of his passport and the lifting of his stop-departure order.
Resident Magistrate Jeremaia Savou stated, “The application for bail variation is granted. However, the passport and the uplifting of the stop departure order will occur once the itinerary is filed at the registry and a copy is given to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.”
Ravu faces one count of abuse of office, alongside Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, who is charged with aiding and abetting the abuse of office. Allegations suggest that between July 25, 2023, and August 31, 2023, Ravu obstructed a legitimate Ministry of Forestry investigation regarding illegal trade in prohibited species of beche-de-mer.
Additionally, Toaisi, while serving in the Ministry, is accused of assisting Ravu in the alleged abuse of office. The case is scheduled to reconvene on January 7 for a Pre-Trial Conference, and bail has been extended for both individuals.